New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-07-10
RUINS IN THE WEST.
TWO DIES ERTED VILLAGES.

THE STORY OF A LAND BOOM IN THE SUBURBS OF
CHICAGO
CHICAGO, July 7-WhIie journeying to this city
from NewYork, last week, the express train passed
group of buildings, some twenty In number. that
attracted my attention. They were situated IN
ravIne far up mountain slope through which
small stream wound Its way, to swell IN few days
or weeks the current Of some mighty river They
wore the appearance of utter desc alton that
quickly overiakes the habitation of man when man
has departed. But in this case him
self had assisted the elements in disman-
Ting these former homes Doors. window sashes
and everyt hing easily movable had been carried
away. All this was taken at a glance as the train
sped bv. and In instant the cause vas revealed.
Across the stream stood what had once been saw.
mill but the saws the machinery. and even the
water-whee had disappeared IL was needless to
ask explanations This village on the mountain.
side had been created for purpose: it had served
the end of creation. and had been permitted to
go to decay. Probably the timber, such as
had been used in the mill, had been
exhausted within available distance. and all that
was worth removing of the old mill and houses had
been carried to some new iie,dof operation. As !
pursued my way, 1 thought of the desolate spot on
The mountains aud drew q menta, picture of the
scene with the cottages filed with lite and activ-
ity, children PLAYING abont the doors and the old
mil in operation, It's Unsuitable nav supplied from
dawn till dark with food. by score of hardy
woodsmen.
In exploring the wonders of Chicago. this mar
vellous giant OF the West l had forgotten this
little woodland picture, whel suddenly it was re-
called to me. had visited one Of the pretty
suburban villages on the lake side, and had driven
with friend few miles into the interior, when
we came upon another deserted village Streets
had been laid upon the prairie. but they showed
the mark of the plough and scraper rather than OF
travel. Some twelve OF fifteen houses stood In
different STAGES of dilaold atom or incomplete
ness; 1t required more than casual glance
TO decide which. Some wer- without roof; some
han boards over them, out no shingles, wniie
others showed only the frames. he most complete
building was the village store with its porch in
front for the oilers of the town. Its windows and
doors were boarded up, and, though benches were
on the porch. there were no Idiers to use them
Long grass grew close to the foundations of the
houses and there was no sign OF human lnha btantS
or visitors his scene did not tell It's own story
aud turned for an explanation to my friend, who
readily gave It, He Is sedate, indeed rather
solemn, young man. and ont think the following
story was Invented by hi to gull an fastener.
Perhaps you know" he said, that few years
ago Chicago ran Wild over suburban village sites.
Values of iaud In some Of the older towns within
easy reach by rail had increased In grea er RATIO
than in { icago itself and everybody who had
money to nves VINO wanted TO live IN "A cottage
out of the smoke OF The c ~ began 20 search Tor
low price building lots on the line Of some railroad
Soon advertisements began to appear OF lots r0I
sale in the new and fourlshIng village Of -,
Maps were exhibited by the agent OF the
company owning the unsold lots. and finally in the
completeness of time the public was invited to
visit the beaut full spot on a specified day. Al ex-
curslon tram was provided, made up of Pullman
cars free for all, and expensive banquet was TO
be served IN the new village
An piring scene met the view OF the arriving
partv All was hustle aud activity Huge plies or
lumber we're heaped up in all directions, aud
scores of wOrkInen busy with spade, saw,
hammer and ch>el. Here foundation
81 rs wer beng lald. there heavy posts and beams
we're orced into place by brawuy arms, and over
yonler the click OF the hammer and the s'und OF
the saw was heard bO ,rds. claDboards and shiu-
gles were S cureiy fastened. Every workman la
bored with his might IL evident that the
future occupants OF these cottages we're inpatient
or their completion and spared no expense Ihere
was no doub Of the pro sOerty OF this new sdburD;
there couid be none Before the banquet
had been digested and the train
had returned to Chicago nearly every man
who ha gone out with any purpose OF buyng
lot had done so. had paid the price ora part OF
II to olnd the bargain.
:" rhe uext day there only enough iaborers
IN the new village to gather up the tools and TO ship
{ he unused lumber to tue Yards from winch ~ had
been hired No sound of industry has been heard
here since that time. 1t was a good DAYS WORK
Tor he man OF the company who had bought Q
tract If worthless land for song You see, these
old shells didn't cost much